A/N: Sorry this one took so long! Two weeks isn't like me, but the choirs I direct are getting ready for a concert, so I don't really have the time to disappear into Static's world as much as I'd like.
For those of you that read Blue Lake: I liked Richie's grandmother, even if the rest of the story was a little messed up, so I paid homage to her here.
New Warnings, right out of the oven and piping hot:Hotstreak uses some interesting language to describe what he finds in a certain Bang Baby's room Let me know if anyone's confused about exactly what the Bang Baby did with those pictures of Static.
Okay, enough warnings. On with the show!
Book I
Chapter Five: On the Eve of Battle
From the Diary of Virgil Hawkins (2)
Chapter Five: On the Eve of Battle
"Remind me why we're here again?"
Green Lantern sighed. "Can't you pay attention for even two minutes?"
""Not when Superman starts talking about things that are over my head."Hestared at the house. It looked normal enough. The street where it was located was relatively quiet for a mid-morning in early summer. Flash didn't see the need for all the secrecy and caution. That much of Superman's speech had gotten through to him. Use extreme caution, the leader of the Justice League had said. There's no telling what that thing will do.
And yes, Flash had to admit that Backpack had caught him as neatly as a spider ever wrapped a fly. Once. And he'd been distracted. Flash grimaced. It still embarrassed him that he'd been taken in, allowed himself to be distracted. Granted, he hadn't had any reason to be distrustful of Richie Foley/Gear… or had he? Flash couldn't help but think that he might have been able to feel something wrong if he had Green Lantern's instincts, or Batman's. But I didn't, and that's the end of it. When I had been caught, I looked up into Richie's eyes, and understood for the first time that it wasn't Richie that had captured me. Again, to give Flash credit, Brainiac had never been able to take over a human mind before. He had only been able to control machines, and then to use thought-control disks.
Well, it's over now. Brainiac's gone. Except… Brainiac was able to gain access to Richie's thoughts through Backpack. And now Backpack is acting strangely. Coincidence?
He voiced his concern. "Do you think Brainiac took over Richie's computer again and is trying to take over the world?"
Green Lantern waited until two young kids passed on their bicycles. So far, no one had noticed them. The cloaking device was working. But it could only hide them from view; their words would carry if they weren't careful. "If he is, he's trying a completely new tactic. It isn't like a computer to change a plan that has worked for it in the past."
"Except it didn't work. It hasn't worked on Earth three or four times. Maybe he's trying something new."
"I don't think it's Brainiac."
"Why?" Flash jumped from foot to foot.
Green Lantern was staring fixedly across the street. "I have a feeling."
Flash sighed. "So, what do we do?"
"We get inside, we find Backpack, and we convince him to come back with us to the Batcave."
"What if he won't come?"
"Don't make extra problems," Green Lantern snapped.
Flash blinked, but didn't say anything. When GL was stressed, it was best to keep your mouth shut. And if he's stressed… Flash wished he'd paid more attention to Superman's boring lecture.
Green Lantern closed a hand on Flash's shoulder, making the younger superhero look up at him, surprised at the contact. Green Lantern was one of the more… distant members of the League. "He'll most likely come without any trouble," GL said. "He wants, more than anything, to be near Richie. Just remember that and we'll be fine." When Flash nodded, Green Lantern looked across the street one more time, checked left and right, and said, "No one's coming. Let's go."
oOo
Ebon looked over his troops, none of which knew they were being watched. This proves they're idiots. Where there are shadows, I could be lurking, listening. And yet hey talk freely.
Well, all except Hotstreak. He glared at the back of the firebrand's head, wondering what Hotstreak was thinking. The Bang Baby had become entirely too intelligent lately. First the picture- how had he gotten that, anyway?- and now this silence that was more contemplative than moody. Ebon was used to Hotstreak being moody; he would be able to feel the other meta-human's anger building and would be able to time almost to the minute when the teen would explode.
But now he's thinking, and that bothers me. I don't need anybody messing with my plan. Then he smiled. But he wants Static so badly. I think he'll go along with me at least that far. And after Static is dead, and Gear is with me, I don't care what happens to Hotstreak. No matter how much he thinks, he can't hurt me.
Closing his eyes for a moment, Ebon composed himself. An image- his constant companion for days now- floated beside him. In his little dream, Gear and Richie Foley were chained side by side on his bed. Richie was crying, but Gear refused to break. He fought, but in the end was always left bleeding. And of course he tried to comfort Richie, even as he himself grieved for his dead partner. Ebon smiled. I love a challenge.
He looked out at his troops once more, pointedly ignoring Hotstreak. Talon and Aquamaria were talking together, but without any real animation. The two weren't friends; Talon wasn't friends with anyone. She'd proved from the beginning that she neither needed nor wanted others around her. She talked to others because they were there, and that was all.
His gaze swept over Kangor, Shiv, Carmen Dillo, Hyde and Ferret without really seeing them. They would help his plan, but they weren't essential. Replikon was essential, as was Slipstream. And Replay would help, even though Ebon had conceived of his original plan without the actor. But when Replay turned up, wanting to get Static in the worst way, Ebon hadn't said no.
Of course, each "essential" had demanded something from him. Slipstream wanted a whore. Ebon had thought of saying, Why? You're so trim and handsome. Can't you find one on your own? So Ebon had agreed to give him anyone he wanted. At once, Slipstream had mentioned a little hero he'd thrown into a pond. He was Static's friend, Slipstream had said. Blonde hair. Rode a scooter with a motor on it.
Ebon had known exactly who the fat hog had meant, and he'd vowed, You won't touch my Richie. Slipstream knew nothing of Ebon's promise to himself. He knew only that he would get what he wanted.
For the others, Ebon might actually keep his promises. Replay wanted a crack at Static. So did Replikon. Ebon could appease them. No reason Static had to die quickly. He deserved to suffer for all the trouble he'd caused.
Ebon squashed his anger just as he'd distracted himself from his lust. Now was the time for planning.
It'll happen tomorrow night. Static generally patrols between seven and ten, sometimes later if things have been shaky. Which they haven't. All we have to do is lure Static out. And if Gear comes with him, that's perfect. And if he doesn't, I'll make it my business to find out where he is before I kill Static. Gear won't escape me. Worse comes to worse, I'll grab Foley and threaten to kill him if Static doesn't tell me where his partner is. Static's a superhero. He'll give away his partner's location to save a civilian. And since he has no idea how badly I need Richie and Gear in my bed, he'll assume I don't really want Richie.
His eyes moved back to Hotstreak. I'll have to ask him where Richie lives. Too bad I can't just grab my boy before all this goes down. But I don't want anything warning Static. And I can wait. It's patience that's gotten me this far.
oOo
Virgil sat between Superman and Wonder Woman on the small couch. Virgil fidgeted. Why does a millionaire have small rooms like this? I feel like I'm going to suffocate! Across the room, Hawkgirl stood by herself. J'onn was in the next room, trying to reach Richie. Batman was with him. But there wasn't much that could be done until Green Lantern and Flash returned; Virgil found himself wanting to chew his nails or pace. Alfred had brought in tea, but none of the superheroes had touched it. Virgil didn't know about the others, but his hands were shaking too much to pick up a cup.
No one spoke. Virgil was trying to listen beyond the closed door. He longed to press his ear to the wood, but he knew that was out of the question. If Batman came out, or when Green Lantern and Flash arrived with Backpack, the door needed to be unblocked. And still he strained to hear any sound. He knew Richie was probably still unconscious, but still he listened.
The flight back had been one of the strangest trips in Virgil's life. Batman had ordered Virgil to strap himself in, then the Dark Knight had lain Richie in Virgil's arms. The teen had cradled Richie's head against his shoulder, supporting the blonde with his arm. Richie had been out, and yet he was still able to mutter and move about a little.
As they left Dakota, Richie had snuggled against Virgil and purred. Virgil had drawn his Richie even closer, shielding him and maybe comforting him as well. Richie slept all the way to Gotham.
But the journey wasn't strange because of these things; what made it so was the utter silence in Virgil's own mind. It was as if he wasn't able to worry or hope or plan. All he had done was feel the warmth of Richie's body cradled against his own. If he hadn't known better, Virgil would have suspected that some of the drug Batman gave Richie had seeped into his own pores.
"Richie's in here."
Virgil sat up straight as the door nearest him opened. Green Lantern and Flash entered; Backpack was riding on Green Lantern's back. Having been briefed by Superman how he must act if he saw Backpack, Virgil hid his rage and smiled. "Hey, BP. Richie needs you." He pointed at the other door. "He's in there."
Backpack turned his sensor-eye on Virgil, and the teen wondered if he sounded entirely too cheery. He certainly felt like a character on Barney. Hopefully he didn't sound as bad to the robot as he did to his own ears. He added, not wanting to blunder further, but needing to say something, "He's in shock. I don't understand what's happened to him. We're hoping, since you're connected to him, you can figure it out." Great, Virgil. Now you sound ingratiating and unconcerned as well as cheery. Why don't you just keep your mouth shut? It'll be for the best.
Backpack spoke. "I am partially responsible for his shock, I believe. I have been trying to work on a connection between us so that we are always able to communicate. Richie is… having difficulty adjusting to it."
Virgil was stunned at how much more developed the voice enhancer was. Backpack's voice was still buzzy, but it sounded… Virgil resisted the urge to shudder. It sounded almost like Richie's voice. He tried to tell himself that it only made sense: Backpack loved Richie. Wouldn't he want to emulate him? But Virgil couldn't shake the feeling that Backpack sounded like Richie because he was slowly becoming Richie, taking over the blonde's mind and absorbing Richie into himself. It was a groundless assumption, but Virgil was terrified nonetheless. He looked down at his hands
And it's not groundless. Think of everything he's already done! Maybe he would assume that if he imprinted Richie's personality in his memory banks that he would be able to dispose of Richie's "unneeded" and "imperfect" human body. An image of kissing that sensor-eye flitted across Virgil's mind and he grimaced.
"Do not fear for Richie. Now that I am here, I will help him."
Green Lantern noted Virgil's obvious distress. "Come on. Every moment counts." He led the way into the next room, leaving The Flash out with the others. The door closed behind him.
Superman vacated the seat beside Virgil and Flash sat down and looked at Virgil. "He really sounds worried. All the way here he kept telling us how much he wanted to protect Richie."
"I hate him," Virgil whispered, clenching his fists. "I hate him and I want to fry him. But I'm afraid that if I do that, it will hurt Richie. They're connected."
"Electricity doesn't travel through telepathy, man-made or natural," Hawkgirl said.
"But Backpack might take Richie with him, either accidentally or to "save" him from having to live in the world unprotected," Wonder Woman said. "It's best to let Batman and J'onn handle this. J'onn can easily enter Richie's mind and Batman has a lot of experience working with those who have… mental challenges."
Virgil grimaced. "As long as he doesn't hurt Richie."
She put her hand on his arm. "He won't. Everyone hears about the criminals he has brought to justice; less well known are those that he saves from insanity."
Virgil closed his eyes. "I know. I just wish I could be in there." He held up a hand. "And before you say it, I know the reason I'm not allowed in has two parts. First, I'd probably get in the way when I tried to help Richie because I'd have to double check everything Batman or J'onn tries. Second, Backpack and I don't trust each other, and the stupid little robot doesn't need anything to put him on his guard." He groaned.
oOo
Richie awoke to a feeling of peace and calm. In his mind, there wasn't dankness or a cavern or a false Virgil waiting for him. Richie realized that all he could "see" was the insides of his eyelids. He did felt slightly cut off from the rest of the world, but for the moment that didn't bother him. He was alone in his mind.
Richie?
Okay, almost alone. But he recognized the mental voice, and was grateful to hear it. J'onn? Am I in the Watchtower?
You are in Batman's house. How do you feel?
Better than I did before. Stronger. Are you blocking the connection between Backpack and me?
Yes.
I appreciate it, but BP might attack you to get to me. You're in danger. Now that I'm rested, I think I can handle him again. And, after a moment, It's amazing what a little sleep can do. I was in danger of losing my sanity before.
He felt J'onn withdraw, and that seductive-slime feeling returned at once, but it was muted and no images accompanied it. Richie turned his mind to the world around him. He heard the soft clicks and humming of nearby equipment, felt the surface on which he lay- more doctor's table than bed- and sensed the figures standing close to him.
He opened his eyes and gazed up at Batman. The world was blurry, but Richie didn't care; he never thought he would be so overjoyed to see anyone besides Virgil. And of course that prompted a question. "Where's Virg?"
"In the next room," Batman answered. "Green Lantern and Flash are bringing Backpack here so that we can discover how to block the connection between the two of you. Will you acknowledge that destruction of your robot may be necessary?"
Richie's skin crawled. How could anyone talk about death so clinically? He knew, of course, that Batman didn't think of Backpack as a person, but he couldn't help being offended on behalf of his friend… enemy… whatever. "I won't kill him, or let him be killed, unless there's no other way. Let me try to talk to him when he's here."
"Talking hasn't helped before," Batman answered.
Richie sat up, not liking the subordinate posture he'd been in. "Now that he can see me, talk to me, be close to me, he may be more reasonable. And you and J'onn will be there if anything goes wrong." He was silent for a moment. "You shouldn't let him talk to V. The two don't mix well."
"You make them sound like volatile chemicals," J'onn said.
"They're like vinegar and baking soda. On their own, they're mostly harmless. But together…" He shook his head. "Can I have my glasses? If I don't seem completely put together, calm and safe, Backpack will continue to see me as weak and unprotected."
When Richie could see completely, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed, noting for the first time the clothes he was dressed in. His last memory concerning clothes was tearing them from his body. He blushed all the up to his hair, his ears turning pink. Not looking at either superhero before him, he asked, "Who dressed me?"
Batman said, "You were dressed when I arrived."
That means Virg… Richie's blush deepened. He cleared his throat. I can think about, and be embarrassed by, that later. For now… "When did Green Lantern and-"
The world spun around him and Richie's vision failed him for a moment. When he came back to himself, he was sitting in a chair with Batman on one side, standing a little back, and J'onn on the other. The Martian was holding the blonde's hand and Richie heard the telepath's voice inside his head. What is it, Richie? I sensed a sudden invasion, but it retreated too quickly for identification. Was it Backpack?
Yeah. Richie concentrated on breathing deeply for a full minute before he would allow himself to continue. He looked at both superheroes. "He's afraid for me, and was trying to reestablish contact. I-" He swallowed. "I put up a shield against him. I didn't know I could do that." He laughed. "If I'd known I could do that, I would have pushed him out before." He closed his eyes and searched within himself. "Except the shield's gone now and I don't know how I made it work." Frowning, he muttered, "Like the wall, but different. I didn't make the wall, but I made this out of the same material, the same energy. Where did the material come from?" That he couldn't answer, but at once he understood a little about the energy. "I stole the energy from the rest of my body. That's why I… Did I black out?" He looked from J'onn to Batman.
"You were borderline conscious," Batman answered.
"How long was I out?"
"Twenty-three seconds."
Richie sighed. "The shield took a lot out of me, then."
oOo
Step off, Francis.
God, I haven't thought of Frieda in months. She was so beautiful, so available back then… Except she wasn't. She didn't want anything to do with me. And all the geeks tried to protect her. Virgil. Foley. And this was before Virgil figured out how to fight. Back when I whipped his ass on a regular basis.
Frowning, Hotstreak wondered, Why didn't I beat up Foley as often? I enjoying beating the hell out of Virgil, but Foley was just the nerd that was in the way. He was never a target. He was never good enough to be a target. He was just Virgil's backup. Get him out of the way and I could go about my real business.
Step off, Francis.
Shoulda burned him alive instead of just burning his shirt off. The blonde had backed off in a hurry, but Hotstreak found himself still thinking of the kid's guts and stupidity. Because he'd already seen Hotstreak send Virgil running from fireballs, so what did he think he was doing telling Hotstreak, most volatile Bang Baby in Dakota, to step off? Just who the hell did he think he was?
I'd expect that from Virgil; he's just smart-mouthed enough to put his foot in his mouth like that. But Foley? Foley was backup for Virgil, not a fighter in his own right.
And yet here he is, three years later, flying around with roller blades on his feet and a computer on his back.
Yeah, but anybody could fly around. Foley was basically Static's shadow. No real help as backup, and a dangerously heavy anchor to drag around at times.
Then why am I thinking about him?
Because, Francis, you moron, you've let what Talon said get to you.
So what if Ebon wants to rape Foley? That's not my business.
And so what if Ebon kills Static, right? Are you just going to blow that off, too?
Static's not my problem. If he's so funky fresh, let him take care of himself.
He won't be thinking straight once Ebon takes Gear, and you know it.
So what am I supposed to do? Warn them? Not a chance. Hell will freeze over first.
You don't have to warn them. But you could maybe let Static slip through your fingers without making it obvious. You could give him at least a chance to protect his boyfriend.
If they're stupid enough to fight against Ebon, then-
You fight against Ebon, too. Are you like them?
No! I'm just not going to follow anybody's order, that's all. Unless I have to.
So you have to follow Ebon?
He's going to give me the chance at Static I want. Static will know that I'm stronger than him.
You really think Static is going to care about you defeating him in an unfair fight once Ebon's gotten his claws into Gear? You think too much of yourself.
Shit.
That's right. Shit. Now what are you going to do, Francis?
Hotstreak wanted to punch something. But more than anything, he wished he hadn't given Ebon the picture and made the agreement. Not that my word's my bond, but I'll be watched now. Shit shit shit.
He knew what he had to do. If I make it look like I'm doing the right thing, then turn at the last minute and keep Ebon from capturing Gear, I'll find another time to show Static who's boss. Now all I have to do is make sure that whatever I do to keep Gear and Ebon apart doesn't point back to me.
That was going to take a little more thought. Hotstreak stared into the distance, his mind working. He was the last one in the common room that night. No one had even dared to approach him. The most dim-witted could see that he wasn't in a playful mood. Instead of singeing them, he might just haul off and fry one. And Ebon's plans and loyalty among the Meta-Breed be damned.
oOo
J'onn turned towards the door that led into the outer room. "They're here."
Richie felt the presence in his mind. It was unaccompanied by anything sexual and Richie reached out to it at once. BP, I'm so sorry. The apology was genuine, and Richie knew Backpack would be able to sense that. I got scared. I don't know how I put that shield up and I'm sorry if I hurt you.
For a moment, Backpack was speechless. Richie felt him let go of fear, worry and, yes, a touch of anger. Richie…I love you. I want to help.
Richie gathered his courage. I love you, too. You're so important to me. But the connection is hurting me. I want to be connected to you all the time, to be able to reach you half a world away. But there has to be a better way. Richie felt the warmth and weight on his legs as Backpack crawled into his lap. He stroked the robot, running his fingers over the smooth surface. In his mind, Backpack eased a little.
We haven't touched in weeks, Backpack sent. Even when you were Gear, we didn't really touch because there wasn't enough time. He radiated embarrassment. I like touching you, Richie. Not sexually, but… I am not sure how to explain myself. And, he rushed on, the words coming almost too quickly for Richie to understand, I don't mean to make you feel like a whore. You could never be a whore, Richie. Never.
He continued with scarcely a pause, I've run tests to discover if there is something evil inherent in the technology I'm using, but all the blueprints are clean and the diagnostics come back negative. After your visions began, I feared that I had resurrected Brainiac, but there was no trace of it in my system. And yet the visions continued. I convinced myself that you secretly enjoyed the visions. He paused. That became impossible to believe as you succumbed to them and yet still tried to retain a part of yourself.
I-I am sorry, Richie. I am sorry that I hurt you. You don't need this strain, especially on top of all you have suffered.
But Richie…I still don't want to be away from you. I have shut off the other connection; he have always been able to talk when are this close. But when we are separated again, what will we do? Must I trust to luck to keep you safe?
Beneath his fingers, Richie felt Backpack shudder. He flattened his hands, caressing more firmly, wanting to convey his compassion and love in the gesture. Let's play around with the connection. Let me look at the blueprints and run some test. As long as I don't have o deal wih it for extended periods, I'll be okay. Now would come the hard question. Backpack, you used Brainiac's schematic, right?
Yes, though I changed it a little so that I didn't need to plant a microchip inside you. I didn't want to posses you. I only-
BP, it's okay. I'm not made at you. I just want answers.
Really? But I used your worst enemy's technology against you. And I know you consider that wrong.
But you weren't trying to hurt me with it. You were trying to help.
Myself. You were comfortable without me. It is I who needed you so badly.
Backpack, that isn't true. I needed you. I always feel incomplete without you. And… without you and V, I'd be… He struggled for the right word. I'd be lost.
Richie, don't lie to me. And certainly don't lie to yourself.
The blonde protested, What are you talking about? I'm not- But of course he was, and they both knew it. I just don't want to drive you away again. I hate it when you're my enemy. Friends shouldn't fear each other.
Neither should they lie to each other. I have lied to myself recently; I know how damaging it is. Please tell us both the truth.
I want you with me. I feel lost sometimes without you. But there are times that I want to be alone in my mind. When I'm sleeping, I want to be alone. HE stopped, reconsidered. Actually, that's not true. I'm not sure of all the times I want to be alone. When I'm with V, when we're kissing, I want to be alone. And I want to be able to ask you to leave and be able to trust that I have my mind to myself. Being connected to you is amazing, and I wouldn't trade that feeling of safety for anything, not even for V's love.
Backpack was stunned at the honest admission, but didn't answer.
Richie could sense his shock. He went on, But we can't have that connection all the time. It's too hard.
You need to be alone sometimes, Backpack answered.
See? Richie demanded. I've hurt you. And that's the last thing in the world I want.
And the last thing I want is to hurt you, my Richie. I love you. I was created to protect, shelter and cherish you. And if that means ignoring my own-
You will not ignore your pain! The fury in Richie's mind carried easily down the link. I won't let you. We'll find a way to make us both comfortable. Maybe we can change the link so that sometimes you can only sense general emotions, be able to tell if I'm happy or scared or angry. We'll change other things, too. We'll make sure that I can always tell when you're in my mind, and you'll always be able to tell when I need you. We'll turn Brainiac's technology into something that will strengthen our relationship, deepen our trust. I may be trying to control the link too much, but… Richie shivered. I never want to feel like I can't be alone when I want to be.
You are suffering intense feelings of guilt and self-loathing, Richie. Why?
I hate telling my friends to back off. It's caused so many problems.
If you don't feel secure yourself, no amount of sacrifices you make for the friendship will keep it from falling apart. You have needs, Richie. Don't be angry with yourself for expressing them.
I still am, BP… I might always be. But I won't let them get in our way. I'll take your advice; we'll build the new connection to address both your needs and mine. His smile shone over the connection and he forgot his discomfort. You're going to come back to the house with me. I'll take you. Together we'll figure out the best way to make a lng-distance connection.
Backpack sounded amazed. Virgil is right about you in one way: you are pure.
Richie blinked and tried to snuff a flicker of anger. You were listening to us?
Yes. I was suspicious -
Are, Richie interrupted tartly.
I am suspicious of Virgil. And so I made the connection. I watched him make you smile.
You reminded my of Brainiac. Every time I tried to kiss V, I thought of Brainiac. He reined in his anger. They had come too far to be driven back. Then you broke the connection, right? You weren't there the whole time.
Yes. When you confessed to thinking of Brainiac, I left. Again, Richie, I am sorry.
Richie couldn't hide any thoughts from Backpack at that moment. He was too tired. And the time for secrets plots is long over, anyway. I have a few choices, BP: be angry and stay that way, ignore the anger and pretend it doesn't exist or be furious for a little while then get over it.
You are very angry with me, Richie.
Yeah, but I'm mad at myself, too. It never occurred to me that you would develop intelligence. And when you did, I was so happy at first that I didn't take responsibility for your education.
I know everything you know.
You know everything I know up until I was moved to Edmanns. Which means you have knowledge of the sciences, math, my love for Virg, and my hatred of my father. The only prayers you've ever heard me utter were angry ones. True?
Yes. Though sometimes you apologized to this ' God' for your anger. And you thought of Virgil, wishing for his safety.
I'm not very proud of my prayers. Things have changed, BP. Take what I've learned recently, please. He felt Backpack slip past the surface thoughts and emotions to his inner motivations and beliefs. He relaxed, making the robot's passage easier.
A hand touched his shoulder. Richie felt it as a distant tickle. Hold on, BP. Somebody wants me. He opened his eyes and met J'onn's gaze. I'm okay, he thought at the Martian. There's no danger.
"Then you are well?"
Richie nodded, then glanced at Batman. "We're all right. Both of us. I only have one more thing to tell him."
Batman didn't move, didn't blink, but Richie sensed the Dark Knight ease ever so slightly. He doesn't trust Backpack yet, but he seems to trust my judgment, at least a little. Richie was gratified.
To be trusted, even in part, by Batman… Richie turned his concentration inward. BP?
I must ask you about the basis of your faith, Richie. It is strong, yet I cannot find its source. But I know you wish to speak to me.
My faith has no logical foundation. That's all I can say. Faith is faith precisely because it doesn't need an earthly foundation. He smiled. Maybe you and I should go through the Bible together. But for now, please tell me why you don't trust Virgil.
Do you want facts or feelings?
Both.
I'll give you facts first. Virgil is a teenager and therefore cannot be trusted completely.
Remember when we studied geology?
Yes? Backpack's confusion was plain.
Generalizations are the stuff of history. If you make them the stuff of research, you might miss a key point or a fact that deviates from the norm. Please judge V by what he is, not by what teenagers are supposed to be.
Backpack was silent for several moments. When he answered, his mental voice was barely audible. Then all I have are feelings. Virgil has never done anything overtly harmful to you.
Has he done anything to you? Richie asked, knowing the answer full well.
He ahs accused me of trying to hurt you, but he has never hurt me. He can be very angry sometimes, and that is the fault that I believe is the most dangerous to you. He is not angry with you; I don't think he could ever be truly angry with you. But his anger may make him careless.
I've seen that much. You heard me tell him as much the night he stayed with me.
Yes. Did he listen to you?
He tried. I'll have to keep reminding him.
I will not stop being wary of him, for I do not trust him to control his anger under extreme stress, but neither will I persecute him nor will I interrogate him. Is that acceptable?
Richie didn't' think, only reacted. He wrapped his love, his presence around Backpack because he could feel how afraid the robot was, how much he needed to be reassured. Backpack had put himself out and now he needed Richie to meet him halfway. Thank you. BP. Thank you. Richie wrapped himself more firmly around the tendril that Backpack held out to him. After a moment of silence, he said, "I thought I was whole when Batman put my two halves back together but I need you with me."
Backpack smiled in his mind.
oOo
Richie opened the door between the two rooms. Backpack followed at his heel, and the older superheroes came behind. Richie tasted the tension in the room, and instinctively he squared his shoulders. Hawkgirl and Wonder Woman were speaking in low voices, as were Green Lantern and Superman. Flash sat beside Virgil on the couch, trying to sit still and reassure the younger hero. His foot was twitching as he fought to stay in one place and help Virgil.
Virgil turned towards the door, his face a mask of pain and worry. When he saw Richie, he leapt to his feet and bounded across the room. Richie gasped as Virgil collided with him, hugging him so hard that he could scarcely breathe. "You scared me, Rich. You scared me. Are you okay? Richie, you scared me. Please don't ever-" Virgil broke off and began kissing Richie, his eyes narrowed in concentration.
It's as if he's trying to memorize how I taste. Richie didn't smile; the desperation he sensed in Virgil kept him serious. He spoke softly. "V, I'm okay now. I'm sorry I made you worry, but I'm okay now. Trust me, Virg; I'm fine. I promise." What more can I say? he wondered as Virgil continued to fuss over him. I didn't mean to scare him so badly. Not that I had much choice.
Richie, I am sorry about-
I'm not blaming you, BP. But seeing Virg like this- Richie caught Virgil by the shoulders. "V, stop for a minute. Virg…"
Virgil had buried his face in Richie's neck and was leaving small marks there with his mouth.
It's almost like he's possessed, Richie thought, and shivered.
Blinking, Virgil pulled back slightly. "What is it, Rich? Are you cold?"
Well if I'd known that was all it took to get your attention… "What's wrong, Virg? It's like I died and was brought back to life."
Virgil blushed, and started to pull away.
Richie stopped him. "I didn't mean that," he whispered. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I know you were only worried about me. But when I tried to get your attention and you didn't answer, I got scared. Please, V." But he wasn't sure what he was asking for. He leaned against Virgil and listened to him breathe.
"Whatever you need, Rich, I'm here." Virgil's arms encircled him again. "Just seeing you like that back at the house." He swallowed. "I've never seen you like that. You were- It was like you had gone mad."
"I lost it," Richie agreed. "I'm fine now, but I was just too tired to fight." He turned and gestured for Backpack to move closer to him. He knelt, putting his hand on Backpack protectively. He looked up at Virgil. "He didn't mean to hurt me, Virg. He was trying to keep me safe. He was afraid for me after what happened with Brainiac, just like you were afraid. I know you two don't trust each other yet, and so all I want from you is a truce. I'm not expecting friendship, but I want you to be polite to each other. Do you both agree?"
"Yes, Richie," Backpack promised at once.
Virgil was frowning at the robot. "Why does he have your voice, Rich?"
"I have synthesized recordings of your voice and my voice. Only. He had to use one of them." Richie chuckled. "Are you jealous, V?"
Virgil opened his mouth to retort, saw the twinkle in Richie's eye, and laughed instead. "A truce is fine by me. And it shouldn't be too hard; our other differences aside, all we want is your happiness."
Richie blushed and stood. Backpack climbed to his shoulders and settled himself there. "So… How are we going to explain this to John and Bernadette?"
oOo
The sun was dragging its feet, or so Richie imagined as he walked through the woods, hand in hand with Virgil. Time had turned sluggish to give the lovers a little piece of eternity.
As the stars fade one by one, chased away by the lightening in the eastern sky, Virgil turned to Richie and urged him to lean against a tree. Cradling the back of Richie's head, Virgil leaned forward and brushed his lips across Richie's cheek and the corner of his mouth. He inhaled a heady scent made of nature's perfume and Richie's light musk. And when Richie turned his head so that their lips fit together, Virgil drew his boyfriend's taste into his mouth and savored it.
Richie moaned and moved closer. He gripped Virgil's shoulders and made a small, contented sound when Virgil wrapped his free arm about his waist. It feels so good to be held, the blonde thought. How long can we stand this way? How long until he has to let me go? He closed his eyes against that eventuality.
"Rich?"
Is it over already? Richie tried hard to keep the disappointment from his voice. "Yeah?" He felt Virgil pushing him back slightly and he obeyed.
Virgil was looking down when he first started speaking. "Rich, I just want you to know-" He had raised his head, and now he caught the expression of need in Richie's eyes. Instantly, he drew Richie against him, hugging him tight. "I just want you to know that I'll always be here for you. You know…" He took a breath. "No matter what happens, I'm here for you. Okay?"
"I know, Virg. Why are you telling me?" Because Virgil's voice… Richie hadn't heard Virgil sound nervous in a while.
"I just… Something doesn't feel right." He didn't pull away, but asked, "Rich, don't laugh at this, okay?"
"I'd never laugh at anything that's hurting you this much."
"And please don't be angry at me. Okay?"
Now Richie was the one to push them apart a little. He moved one hand from Virgil's shoulder to the superhero's cheek. "Virg?"
Virgil turned his head so he was leaning into the touch. He closed his eyes. "I was thinking about the nightmares Brainiac sent you." He opened his eyes and Richie saw the lost look there. "How you sometimes knew that something was wrong but couldn't figure out what it was?"
Richie nodded, perplexed and worried.
"It feels like that now and I don't like it. Something… something bad is going to happen. I don't know if it's going to happen to us-"
"But you think it might," Richie interrupted.
"Yeah," Virgil sighed. "I think it might. And I just wanted you to know that you're everything to me and I'll never stop taking care of you. And if I can't be there-"
Please, V, don't even say it! But Richie kept his mouth shut. He knew enough about Virgil to be wise to the fact that he, Richie, needed to keep his mouth shut.
"-I'll make sure somebody's here for you. I won't let you go it alone like I did after Brainiac. I won't let anyone or anything hurt you like that again."
You shouldn't promise something you can't control, Richie thought. And he didn't trust himself to speak, so he held silent. The misery in Virgil's eyes, combined with the promise he was trying to make made Richie feel unsteady, almost dizzy. Please, God, don't let anything happen to V. Please. If something's going to happen, let it happen to me. I know that's selfish in a twisted way because I want to protect myself from the pain and horror of losing Virg, but I can't help the prayer. Please, please, God, don't let anything happen to V. If it is Your will to protect us both, let it be done, but please protect Virg. I love him.
"Richie…" Virgil reached up and brushed tears from Richie's cheeks.
"I'm scared, V. And I don't want anything to happen to us, but especially not to you." His voice cracked and he cleared his throat, steadying himself a little. "I know you had to tell me- I'm grateful you told me- but…" He almost said, But I can't handle one more disaster. Except, in his innermost heart, Richie knew he was stronger than that. "But I want you to know something, too. All these promises you've made to me I make to you in return. As much as either of us can promise something we can't really control. And… I'll promise one more thing. If something happens to you that I can't save you from, I'll tell your family. And I'll watch over them as Gear. I swear I will."
Virgil swallowed. "I can't promise to look after your parents, Rich. Do you want me to look after Bernadette and John if you…?"
"Yes, them, but Backpack, too."
"Then I promise, too, Rich. Because I love you." Virgil drew his lover, his partner close again and felt Richie relax slightly under his hands. "And who knows? Maybe none of this will actually happen."
oOo
Slipstream had listened to his part in the plan. He'd listened with a grin on his face. And when Ebon finished, he'd asked immediately, "What do I get for blowing the blonde off course?"
Ebon's eyes had narrowed, but Slipstream didn't back down. I'm on top of the food chain, he thought. I'm not afraid of shadows.
"What do you want?"
Slipstream's grin widened. "You're going to take Gear for yourself, right?"
"Yes."
Touched a nerve there, didn't I? Slipstream laughed softly. "Then all I want is one night with him before you completely destroy him."
"Never pictured you as one capable of having sex."
Slipstream stood up so suddenly Ebon was hard-pressed not to back away. "I'm stronger than you think," he whispered, and little whirlpools of air appeared around his fingers. "I want what I want, understand? Or you can just forget my help. I'll do everything I can to stop you, even. Then, when I help Static kick your ass, I'll get in with him and his partner. I'll Gear willingly, something you'd never manage."
Ebon snarled- just like a dog, Slipstream thought, and I eat dogs for breakfast- and said, "Fine. One time only."
"That's all I want."
Ebon faded into the wall and was gone.
That little firefly would have been even better under me… But I wouldn't have sex with a corpse. I need my victim to scream.
oOo
This is Fiyero. I have to add a little something here. Are you wondering how I was able to get inside Slipstream's head? I got inside Ebon's head because we were joined at one time, and both of us saw all of ther other's memories, but how do I know so much about Slipstream? My answer's simple: I can't.
This last bit was a bit of a stretch, since I can't get into Slipstream's head, but I've been around him enough ot make a good guess at his motivation. Besides, I slipped into his room once and saw all the pictures of Static. They were wrinkled in a way that suggested they'd gotten wet. And many of them were sticky or yellowing. I can vouch for the dialogue, though: I was eavesdropping. I hate to admit it, but I was nervous about Ebon's plan and my place in it. I wasn't so much concerned about what Ebon thought he could do to Static, but what the bastard would do to Static by hurting Gear. If Ebon only captures and tortures Gear a little, I had reasoned, leaving him with his mind intanct, Static will only fry the shadow's black ass. But if Ebon destroys Foley, Static will go insane. And I'm not afraid of Static, but I'm not stupid. Only an idiot would hurt Static's partner, unless they had a death-wish. Even then, dying by electrocution isn't the way I would choose to go.
That's how I cam to be spying on Slipstream and Ebon. I also overheard Ferret and Carmen Dillo talking later that same night, close to dawn. I heard the second conversation by accident, but I'm glad I did. It's good to know all the people that have a stake in foiling your plan. By the end of Ferret's and Carmen's conversation, I was actually starting to feel a little sorry for Gear. Not very, and I didn't let the feeling stop me later on, but at that moment, I remember thinking, It's not his fault he's delicate and almost feminine. Between Ebon, Slipstream and now Carmen, Gear'll be ripped apart from the inside. Assuming Static escapes Ebon and lives, he might not rescue his partner in time.
Did I sound like a concerned citizen back then? Before you judge me too kindly, remember that my motives changed from moment to moment even if the actions themselves didn't. And I'm not being hard on myself: I just want you to know how I thought and felt back then.
Half the time I didn't know why I did things. Later, when Virgil I were trapped on Alva's island, I made a really dangerous robot explode. Virgil said, "Now you're using your head," to which I replied, "Not really. I just like to blow stuff up." It was true then and for a while after, and even now I sometimes feel like I want to return to that state of being (for lack of a better word). But the difference is as simple as it is fundamental: the thoughts that drive that urge are stable, for the most part, and I can control them.
Most of the time.
Maybe I'm not so different after all.
From the Diary of Virgil Hawkins/Static Shock
Dear Diary, June 28, 2003
Richie'd better be back here a month from now. There's no way I'm celebrating his birthday somewhere other than the gas station. It's become a tradition. But Pops says it's harder than I think for him to win custody of Richie. Not that Richie will ever go back with his father, but he might be sent somewhere else. I'm glad none of his extended family lives in the U.S. The Children Protection people wouldn't send Richie back to Ireland to live with his grandmother, would they? And what if they sent him to Germany to live with his mother's sister, that crazy Air Force lady?
Okay, Virgil. Just stop. Those things are not only unlikely; they're just going to give you a headache. So quit on it, okay? Try to think of something positive. Like Richie a few hours before sunrise..
Okay. I can do that.
We spent the whole day with Batman and the rest of the Justice League. Batman called John and Bernadette to tell them that Richie and I were fine, and they passed that message on to my pops and Sharon. That doesn't mean I wasn't bombarded with a hundred questions when Richie walked into the house the next day, though.
I'm getting ahead of myself. Back to yesterday:
Both Richie and I were exhausted after staying up the whole night and half the next day. So we were given a bedroom, and we fell into bed and slept almost immediately. We were both too tired to realize it was the first time we were sleeping together. Well, I thought about it, but I couldn't feel excited when I was so worn out. I held Richie from behind, wrapping my arms around his waist, and he snuggled against me, murmuring, "Love you, V," before succumbing to exhaustion. I followed him a minute later after kissing his hair.
Then we didn't know anything for almost ten hours.
When I woke up, the moon was shining in the window, but it was low in the west. Sunrise couldn't be more than two hours away. Richie was still asleep, his fingers intertwined with mine. Drawing Richie even closer, I breathed in his scent.
"Mmm," he murmured without awaking up. "V."
I didn't want Richie to wake up yet, so I kept quiet. I became aware of where my hands were at that moment. They lay against Richie's lower belly, only an inch or two above his groin. Richie's T-shirt had pulled a little and I slipped my fingers under the thin material. I've never felt skin so soft. His muscles weren't well-defined, but I could felt the beginnings of the shape they would have if Richie continued as Gear for much longer. Being a superhero is like being a weight-lifter: you do it every day, or almost every day, and gain the muscle that comes with the hard work.
My mind veered away from the possibility that Richie and I might not be able to continue as we have been and I began to explore his enticingly smooth skin.
He stirred beneath my wandering hand and I stilled at once. Richie turned slightly, then rolled onto his back. His lips were parted a little, but before I could make up mind if I dared kiss him, knowing that I might wake him, or resist the urge and simply watch him sleep, he turned again and snuggled against me, facing me now. He slept on.
I brushed his hair out of his eyes and tucked it behind his ear. Tracing my fingers around his ear, I touched his earring. He mumbled something and pushed my hand away, so I simply went back to watching him sleep.
That reminds me. I promised to write about his earring one day, didn't I? I'll do that now. When Richie and I were twelve, we found earrings absolutely awesome (no kidding- that was the word we used. Embarrassing, huh?) Anyway, we started hanging around this one piercing shop about a mile west of the Gas Station of Solitude (not that we knew about that place yet, or had any idea that we would use it as a real secret headquarters one day). A scary-looking (and awesome) old guy worked there, and had about a thousand piercings. I say he was old. He was probably thirty or so. He came outside one day and started talking to us about all the different earrings people get, and what the best places for piercing are. Richie and I pooled our money and got up our courage to ask him if he could pierce our ears (one each). He looked at our money, said it was barely enough for one earring, and then, smooth as you please, asked who was going to be getting it. I know now that he shouldn't have done anything without permission from our parents, but at the time Richie and I thought he was the coolest adult in the world because he trusted our judgment and let us try whatever we wanted.
We tossed a coin to see who would win the prize. I called heads. The coin landed tails and Richie jumped so high I thought he was going to fall off the steps we were perched on. He didn't though and the three of us went into the guy's shop. He sat Richie down on a stool, had Richie choose an earring (Richie liked the black circle, the same one he wears now) numbed Rich's ear and then punched a hole in it. I winced and flinched when the little gun went off, but Richie's eyes only widened and he bit his lip. When man put the earring in and asked Richie how he felt.
Richie reached up and touched the earring. "Awesome," he whispered. Then he grinned at me. "Bet it looks cooler on me anyway."
I smiled back, but I knew then that I would never have the courage to get an earring. It sounded too much like what I imagined my moms must have heard when she was shot.
So, that's why Richie has an earring- he's kept the same one always, just cleaning it once in a while- and I don't.
Back to last night, or rather, early this morning:
About ten minutes after I had brushed Richie's hair out of his face, just when I was deciding to go back to sleep, Richie twisted onto his back, then sat up. Still deeply asleep, he reached out for something he couldn't reach. Nothing came from his lips but muffled groans. I started to reach towards him, but Backpack was there first.
I'd forgotten that the robot had followed us into the bedroom. Backpack had been so quiet. Richie had found him a place not too far from the bed where he could go into recharge mode.
Backpack was up on the bed in an instant, and was touching Richie's leg with one of it's mechanical arms. He was probably communicating with Richie through their connection, and I would have given anything at that moment to know what he was saying. Just because I've agreed to make peace with Backpack doesn't mean I trust him.
Richie dropped his arms. One hand touched Backpack and caressed him lightly. His face eased and he fell silent. His other hand reached towards me and I took it, surprised at how cold his fingers were.
"Virg?" His eyes were still closed.
"I'm here, Rich. What-?"
"BP?"
The robot beeped and whispered in his stolen, synthesized voice, "I am here also, Richie. Rest now. You are safe."
Richie sank back down, curling up around Backpack. But he drew my hand with him so that I ended up spooned behind him as I had been when I woke up. "Love you guys," he whispered. A moment later, his breathing evened out and he was lost to us again.
"What was he dreaming about?" I asked.
"He dreamed that he was being dragged down a tunnel, away from you and me. When he reached out, he was reaching for us. He is resting easily now."
"Have you been following his dreams all night?"
"Yes. I always do that. And I help him when I can." He paused. "Much as you would. We are not so different, you and I. We just have different thoughts about how to protect Richie."
You've got that right, I thought, but I had enough sense to keep my mouth shut.
It's noon now, and I've been up since about four this morning. But I'm not tired. Richie's asleep in my bed, but I'm sitting here at my desk. This feeling of impending disaster has been crawling about inside my head for the better part of eight hours. I managed for forget it while I was writing, but remembering Richie's nightmare has brought it, screaming, to the front of my mind.
I don't understand what's coming, but something is. Richie's spending the night, but maybe we shouldn't go on patrol. I know that makes me sound like a chicken, but I can't shake this feeling. I can't believe I'm going to write this, can hardly believe I'm even thinking it, but Backpack is right. All we want is to protect Richie. We'd both step between him and a bullet or a Bang Baby without hesitation.
But I understand something about Richie that Backpack doesn't get yet. Rich is human. He's a brave human. He doesn't want to be sheltered all the time, or kept separate from the world. If I ever tried suggesting that he back off a little, stop being Gear until I felt it was safe, well, that would be the end of our relationship, or at the very least put a serious strain on it until I apologized. So I can't protect Richie by locking him away. I'll just have to protect him by guarding his back.
I hate not being able to just kill every single danger in Dakota and leave it at that.
Okay, Virgil, just stop. Richie doesn't want you angry, right? So calm down. But I love him! I love you, Richie. Is it so wrong that I want to protect you?
Shit. I sound like Backpack.
A/N: You guys are going to think I'm totally nuts, but I lost all your comments about the last chapter. They're nowhere to be found! Since I haven't deleted anything from my computer in a long time, I'm starting to think Brainiac took them. Or maybe Backpack. Maybe they were a threat to Richie.
Anyway, please forgive me. I'll have to just thank all of you for reading and reviewing, and if you have any pressing questions, please resubmit them.